Meet Raffaella Braun, our featured volunteer from Phoenix!

Meet Raffaella Braun, our featured volunteer from Phoenix!

Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? I volunteer at Phoenix Childrens Hospital

How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? I’ve been a volunteer since April 2016

Are you a Volunteer Guide or Volunteer Musician? Guide

What is your occupation outside of MOC? Manager, West Coast Radio and Streaming at Warner Music Nashville

Do you have any hidden talents? I have an uncanny ability to make people laugh and recall personal embarrassing moments:)

What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? I’ve been in love with music since I was a toddler, dancing to MTV and Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf.” That love of music led me to pursue a career in Nashville in the Music Business since college graduation in 2002. I’ve been an agent (with CAA), on Music Boards in Nashville (and L.A.) and now am a Record Executive with Warner Music Nashville – and have seen music touch lives in every area throughout my time in the business. Having created a Bowl a Thon for BBBS in Nashville (that still exists and has increased profits each year) and Chairing the Artist Birdhouse Donations for the WO Smith Music School in Nashville (providing music lessons to inner city youth) also in Nashville, I was at a loss for a volunteer connection with music and children when I moved to AZ. Until we instituted MOC at PCH here in Phoenix! I was one of the first volunteers for the program and have enjoyed it since April 2016!

What makes MOC different from your other volunteer experiences? I’ve seen the power of music help people heal in person via work performances, but those people are not in a hospital situation. It’s such a deeper connection that I feel to my profession, seeing this hospital interaction…when individuals REALLY need a smile, a laugh, or an interaction.

Has your life changed because of your experience with MOC? My life is more fulfilled because of MOC

What is your favorite #MOCmoment? One of the extremely talented PCH musicians and I were having a particularly challenging day in a ‘less responsive’ ward when a teenager who was there alone – and who we were told wouldn’t like a visit – came into the hallway while we were with another patient. He not only asked for a song, but sang and danced along – to the point where the nurses started to cry from his joy. I had to hide a whole bucket of happy tears till we were down the hall.

Do you want to help us deliver the healing power of music? Apply to volunteer as a guide or a musician today!